There are big benefits to be reaped when you consume fruits and vegetables that are in season. Not only do you get to consume fresh food that is packed full of nutritional goodness, but it is also easier on the wallet.
Despite the abundance of good reasons to consume fruits and vegetables, some of us still struggle to incorporate them at meal time. If you find it hard to consume them regularly, or even if you just really donÕt like to eat whole fruits and vegetables all the time, then why not turn them into delicious, mouth-watering smoothies? Smoothies are easy to make and you can take them on the go! They are a perfect solution if you are trying to increase your nutrient intake to help fend off seasonal colds or just stay revitalized during the winter months.
SEE MORE: New YearÕs Juice And Smoothie Detox: 4 Easy Recipes To Get You Started
Not even the freezing temperatures can keep up from drinking up these tasty concoctions. Here are our favorite cold weather smoothies that you can make in your kitchen.
1. Powerhouse Pumpkin
Pumpkins make some of the best smoothies that you can imagine. They are rich in fiber and beta-carotene – which your body converts into vitamin A that is good for the eyes and skin!
Ingredients
- 1/2 c canned pure pumpkin, frozen in ice cube tray
- 7 oz (about 1 c) plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 c water
- 1/4 ripe avocado
- 2 Tbsp ground flaxseed
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Directions
Blend all the ingredients in a high powered blender until smooth. Top with nutmeg and enjoy!
2. Winter Green Smoothie
While a cold green drink might not seem like it has the potential to be your go-to beverage during the winter months, it certainly does and should be a staple, especially when trying to fend off the seasonal bugs. These smoothies are nourishing, filling, and incredibly versatile. You can drink it all winter long and never get bored!
Ingredients
- Thumbnail-sized piece of ginger
- 1 cup of filtered water or coconut water
- 1 stick of celery
- 1 handful of kale (or try watercress/baby spinach/romaine lettuce)
- 1 cup of chopped winter fruit such as apple/pear/kiwi/pineapple
- 1 large sprig of parsley
Directions
Wash all the fruits and vegetables properly. Be sure to put the harder more fibrous vegetables with water into the blender first and then add the softer ingredients. Next, chop up the vegetables and fruits into cubes and put them all into the blender along with your ginger. Blend until you get a puree. This recipe serves one.
3. Warming Winter Smoothie
No, itÕs not taken in warm; rather it has quite a good selection of spices that will heat you up from the inside out. Although there are no vegetables in this particular smoothie the blend of nuts, coconuts, and spices offer different kind of boost and and refreshing change from typical smoothie ingredients. This smoothie is just perfect to get over your winter blues with and is sure to give you a reinvigorating kick!
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond or coconut milk.
- 2/3 cups soaked cashews (soak in water overnight, drain).
- 1 tablespoon coconut butter.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla powder.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus extra for sprinkling.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamon.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (or fresh).
- Tiny pinch of ground cloves.
- Tiny pinch of sea salt.
Directions
Just blend all the ingredients until you have a nice puree. Top it with nuts if you like a little crunch in your smoothie!
4. KellyÕs Winter Chai Smoothie
While the recipe suggests that you use bananas, you can also try this with pear if you so like. If you are a tea aficionado, you are sure in for a treat!
Ingredients
- 2 frozen bananas
- 2 cups of nut milk (almond or cashew works best)
- 1 teaspoon of tahini
- 1 teaspoon of coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon of powdered ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ginger
- a dash of freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon of coconut nectar (optional)
Directions
Mix all the ingredients in a blender until you get a nice smooth puree. Taste and add additional sweetener or spices to your liking. Pour it into a glass and add some coconut and cinnamon for additional seasoning.
Ready to try these delightful recipes? Give your smoothies an organic touch with high quality farm fresh produce available at Tidal Creek, one of the first health food stores in Wilmington. While you are there, be sure to stop by our juice bar where our baristas whip up some of the finest smoothies in Wilmington! Click here to see the smoothie and juice menu.
Download the Smoothie & Juice Menu with Prices!
Sources: Prevention.com, Vogue, iquitesugar.com, wasibiwell